Over the weekend Roma and The Favourite won big at the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards. Alfonso Cuarón’s Mexican drama took home Film of the Year and Director of the Year. While The Favourite won British/Irish Film of the Year and Olivia Colman took Actress of the Year. However, there was no sign of a win for Bohemian Rhapsody or its Freddie Mercury star Rami Malek.
But that shouldn’t be too surprising seeing as the Queen biopic received no nominations last December at all.
Malek’s most likely Oscar rival Christian Bale was nominated in the male acting category, however, Ethan Hawke won for First Reformed.
Bohemian Rhapsody’s snub may come as something of a shock following its Golden Globes wins.
Also the fact that Britain’s own film critics haven’t backed a movie about one of the nation’s greatest bands while American ceremony Critics’ Choice Awards did, does seem a little odd.
Nevertheless, those nominated at the London Critics’ Circle Film Awards were certainly at the artier end of the cinema spectrum.
Despite mixed reviews for Bohemian Rhapsody, audiences continue to their enthusiasm for the film which has made almost $800 million worldwide on a $52 million budget.
After the film’s surprise Best Drama Picture win at the Golden Globes, Brian May referenced the films’ reviews.
The Queen guitarist said: “The mistake that critics made was reviewing the trailer instead of reviewing the film.”
He added: “[Critics] jumped to conclusions. Once people stake their claim, it’s hard for them to withdraw.”
Of course, there’s still hope for Bohemian Rhapsody to get the recognition it deserves at the BAFTAs, where it’s been nominated for no less than seven awards.
And fans shouldn’t forget that the Oscar nominations are fast approaching.
Bohemian Rhapsody is out now.